Our Leadership Team
See below for information about our Senior Leadership and Middle Leadership Teams.
Senior Leadership
Mr Derry (Headteacher)
Mr Derry
Headteacher
"I am Headteacher here at Henley Bank High School and love my job. I am passionate about education and ensuring that all students have the best chance to succeed in life, regardless of what they choose to go on to do. My degree is in Religion, Philosophy & Theology."
Miss Bradbury (Interim Head of School)
Miss Bradbury
Deputy Headteacher
"I am really excited to take on the role of interim co-head of school. I have been at Henley Bank since 2018 and am passionate about ensuring that every student from our year 7s through to our sixth formers get a well rounded and academic experience where they feel supported and are able to thrive.
My favourite part of my job is teaching and I love teaching both geography and history having studied geography at the University of Sheffield."
Mr Dakin (Interim Head of School)
Mr Dakin
Deputy Headteacher
"I am the Deputy Headteacher in charge of raising standards, curriculum and assessment. This means that I work closely with the year 11 students to ensure that they get the best possible examination outcomes. I also ensure that all year groups have broad, balanced and rich curriculum that provides our students with life changing powerful knowledge.
I am a passionate science and maths teacher and studied chemistry at the University of Bristol for my undergraduate degree."
Mrs Benfield (Assistant Headteacher)
Mrs Benfield
Assistant Headteacher
"I am the Assistant Headteacher in charge of Character Education and Transition. This means that I work closely with our feeder Primary Schools and Head of Year 7 to make sure that our Year 6 students feel ready for Secondary School. I also lead in Careers to help our KS4 students transition through to great Sixth Forms and Colleges. As part of Character Education, I oversee our Legacy Programme which emcompasses the Extra Curricular Clubs, the College System and our new Colours System.
I am a passionate Drama teacher, with a Masters in Theatre and Performance Practice from the University of Plymouth."
Mr Powell (Assistant Headteacher )
Mr Powell
Assistant Headteacher
"I am the Assistant Headteacher in charge of behaviour and safeguarding. This means that I work closely with all staff to ensure that every minute of every lesson counts, and that all students receive 100% disruption free learning. I also ensure that all our wonderful students are effectively safeguarded so that they can thrive in school and society.
I am a passionate Physical Education teacher, and studied Sport and Exercise science in Cardiff."
Mrs Kay - (Assistant Headteacher)
Mrs Kay
Assistant Headteacher
I am the Assistant Headteacher in charge of safeguarding which means I work on ensuring all of our students are safe and confident in school and the wider world.
I absolutely love my subject, Design and Technology. I studied Creative Contemporary Practice at Leeds Met Uni and then worked in the fashion industry for a number of years before completing my PGCE at Goldsmiths, London.
Mr Derbyshire (Assistant Headteacher)
Mr Derbyshire
Assistant Headteacher
Every morning I go to work with the aim of helping pupils receive the education they deserve and ensuring they leave school with the best possible outcomes. As an English teacher and the Assistant Head for Sixth Form, this is what I will be doing at Henley Bank. After studying Politics and Philosophy (BSc) at the London School of Economics, I completed Teach First in Yorkshire before moving back to Gloucestershire. I love teaching English and this will be clear in my classroom and lessons every day. In my role leading the Sixth Form, I look forward to giving local students the opportunity of academically rigorous and well respected A Levels, that will help to open doors in later life.
Mr Watson (Assistant Headteacher)
Mr Watson
Assistant Headteacher
I am the Assistant Head for Raising standards, which means I work closely with year 11s to ensure that all students receive the education that they deserve. I studied Mathematics at the University of Leicester before doing my PGCE at King's College London. I love teaching maths and in particular helping all students to see the joy in maths and to become the best mathematicians they can be. I aim to help all students get the absolute best possible grades that they can achieve.
Mrs McNeill (Associate Assistant Headteacher)
Mrs McNeill
Associate Assistant Headteacher
"I work with staff to deliver exceptional teaching and curricula. I want all students to discover the excitement of learning new things and feeling successful.I am also Head of Science and I studied Zoology at the University of Surrey."
Mr Brookland (Associate Assistant Headteacher)
Mr Brookland
Associate Assistant Headteacher
"I am an Associate Assistant Headteacher here at Henley Bank High School. As part of my role of being on the Senior Leadership Team, I oversee and run the Humanities department which consists of Geography, History and Religious Studies. I obtained a BSc in Geography and a PGCE in Secondary Geography having studied at the University of Brighton. I believe that every student has the right to learn, succeed and lead a happy, prosperous life and it is my role to facilitate this happening."
Middle Leaders
Mr Zeal (Acting Head of English)
Mr Zeal
Acting Head of English
''As Acting Head of English my role is to oversee the English department. This involves working alongside a fantastic English team to develop and refine the English curriculum. I studied BA Hons English and Theatre at the University of Reading before completing a Masters Degree in Publishing at Oxford Brookes University. After working for several years in Publishing PR I chose to begin my teaching career and completed my PGCE at Birmingham City University.''
Miss Cresswell (Head of Maths)
Miss Cresswell
Head of Maths
"After studying Maths, Operational Research, Statistics and Economics at the University of Warwick I went on to do my PGCE at Gloucestershire University and did my second training placement at Henley Bank. I loved it so much and could only stay away for a year before coming back. I love teaching here and honestly believe that we are in the best setting for encouraging pupils to thrive, and develop a love of mathematics."
Mr Z Robb (Lead Practitioner for Maths)
''I have been with Greenshaw Learning Trust for the majority of my career, working within the maths and SEND departments in different schools.
I am currently responsible for preparing our students for academic success in their GCSE and A-level exams, including developing students' independent study skills. On a day-to-day basis, I teach Maths and Economics.
I studied for degrees at the University of Manchester and the University of Bristol, before obtaining a PGCE from Bath Spa University.''
Mrs McNeill (Head of Science)
Mrs McNeill
Head of Science
"My role is to oversee the day to day running of the science department. This involves working with my team to plan and teach a first class science curriculum. We constantly strive to improve and update our curriculum as new scientific developments emerge. A large part of my role also involves resourcing our SuperLab and ensuring students have all they need to safely develop their scientific practical skills."
Mr Brookland (Head of Humanities)
Mr Brookland
Head of Humanities
"I oversee the subjects Geography, History, Ancient History and Religious Studies. This involves developing the curricula for each of the subjects and developing the staff members in my department to continually improve their pedagogical and subject knowledge to enhance the teaching and learning of and for our students. I, myself, am a Geography specialist. I studied at the University of Brighton and gained a BSc Geography degree. I then continued studying at the University of Brighton, although at the Falmer Campus to achieve a PGCE in Secondary Geography."
Ms Bray (Head of MFL)
Ms Bray
Head of MFL
"As head of the Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) I am responsible for the curriculum and for overseeing the development of teaching and learning in the language department where we currently offer Spanish and French. My specialism is Spanish and my degree is a BA (Hons) in Education Studies, from the University of Gloucestershire. During my 16 years teaching experience I have had the pleasure to see pupils not only develop into confident linguists but also become better communicators whilst enhancing their understanding of other cultures."
Dr Garraway (Lead Practitioner)
Dr Garraway
Lead Practitioner
''As a lead practitioner, part of my role involves supporting the science department with teaching and learning. I also look after teachers who are early in their career across school, helping them and their mentors access the best support and training.
I love being a science teacher and it is a privilege to be able to share my passion for my subject with our amazing students. I completed an integrated masters degree in chemistry at the University of Leeds before undertaking a PhD focused on atmospheric chemistry at the University of York.''
Mrs Cuke (Head of PE)
Mrs Cuke
Head of PE
"I have been Head of PE here now for 14 years, and was attracted to Gloucester and Henley Bank High School by the vast scenery you can see whilst teaching outside.I attended the University of Winchester to complete a degree in Sports Studies before heading to the University of Chichester to study my PGCE."
Mrs Lane (Head of Art & Technology)
Mrs Lane
Head of Art & Technology
"As Head of Art and Technology, I oversee the day to day running of our creative suite of subjects which include Art, Design and Technology, Food Science and Computer Science. I am Fine Art trained but have had the exciting opportunity of teaching textiles, photography, graphics and ceramics during my 16 year career in teaching so far. We have a fantastic team of subject experts in our Art and Technology department and our aim is to ensure that all of our students are exposed to a world class curriculum that prepares them for the creative and technological world of tomorrow."
Mr James (Head of Vocational)
Mr James
Head of Vocational
"As the Head of Vocational Studies, overseeing business and health and social care programs, I bring a wealth of experience to the role. Having completed a Masters Degree at the University of Gloucestershire and a PGCE at Oxford Brookes, following my undergraduate studies at the University of Worcester, I am passionate about providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen careers."
Miss Fisher (Head of Social Science)
"I oversee Sociology, Psychology, Politics and Economics A level as Head of Social Sciences, and teach both Sociology and Psychology. I achieved a Bcs in Sociology with Social policy at University and was lucky to complete additional units in Psychology and Criminology. I then completed my PGCE via Bolton University and have loved teaching ever since. As well as teaching social science at A Level, I have also had the opportunity to teach lower key stage subjects such as English, RS and Science. "
Mr Blackwell (Head of Music & Performing Arts)
Mr Blackwell
Head of Music & Performing Arts
"As head of Music and Performing arts, I oversee the day-to-day running of the departments and manage live events such as the school production and various music performances throughout the year. After studying music at college, I graduated from the University of Westminster with a BA Hons—degree in Radio Production. I continued to develop my music production skills post-university before deciding to train to be a teacher and help bring a new modern perspective to music education."
Heads of Year
Miss Lothian (Head of Year 7)
Miss Lothian
Head of Year 7
I am the Head of Years 7. My role as Head of Year 7 is to support our students through all aspects of their school life here at Henley Bank High School. I will be there to guide the students through their first year here at Henley Bank High School. I will celebrate successes with them, push them to continuously improve, and guide them through any issues. I am the person students and parents can come to if they have any problems at school. I am also a History teacher, with a passion for Ancient and Medieval History and a desire to continue learning about global history. I completed an MA in Ancient Mediterranean Civilisations at the University of Edinburgh before undertaking my PGCE in Secondary History at Bristol University.
Mr Harris (Head of Year 8)
Mr Harris
Head of Year 8
"My role as Head of Year 8 is to support the students and work closely with the families to give each and every individual a safe and inspiring environment to thrive in. It is my utmost priority to ensure the wellbeing of students pastorally, in addition to challenging them academically. Coming from a sporting background I believe wholeheartedly in the values of Henley Bank High School and aim to ensure that our students become valuable and well rounded members of our community with the advice and experiences we offer.
I studied Sports Coaching at Hartpury College representing the college in Tennis before undertaking my PGCE in Secondary Education at The University of Gloucestershire in PE."
Miss Breeden & Mr Gamble (Heads of Year 9)
Miss Breeden
Head of Year 9
"I am the Head of Year 9. My role is to support and guide all of our year 9 students academically and pastorally throughout the year. I am excited to celebrate achievements and set goals for our students to achieve.
As well as the Head of Year role I am a passionate English teacher. I completed a BA (Hons) in Childhood Studies, a base course for teaching or social work at University of Worcester and then went on to complete my PGCE/GITEP at Gloucestershire University. Outside of school I have a love of travelling and spending time with my family."
Mr Gamble
Head of Year 9
''I am the Head of Year 9 on Fridays, supporting Miss Breeden, alongside my role as a Pastoral Assistant. I am deeply committed to the academic and personal development of students, and my role in student support allows me to bring a compassionate approach to guiding Year 9 students through this crucial stage of their education. I am excited to help students excel academically while also ensuring they feel supported emotionally and socially.
In addition to these roles, I am passionate about sports and find true purpose in helping others, combining both of these elements to foster a successful and proactive learning environment.''
Mr Healy (Head of Year 10)
Mr Healy
Head of Year 10
Email Mr Healy
I am the Head of Year 10. My role is to support all of our Year 9 students academically as well as pastorally to ensure all students are able to succeed. I am also the Director of Student Fun, a role which allows to provide all students with new experiences through weekly clubs and events.
In addition to these roles I am an enthusiastic PE teacher with a passion for sport, in particular Football and Basketball.
I studied Physical Education at Gloucester, before training as a teacher at the University of Worcester.
Mr Powell (Head of Year 11)
Mr Powell
Head of Year 11
Email Mr Powell
"I am the Head of Year 11. This means that I work closely with the year 11 students and their families, providing support both academically and pastorally. I am also a very passionate PE teacher and have a real love for Sport, particularly Rugby and Golf. I will be working closely with the PGCE group from the University of Gloucestershire, acting as a professional mentor."
"I studied Sport Science at Cardiff University whilst playing for the Cardiff Blues Rugby team, and then trained as a teacher at the University of Worcester before moving to Gloucestershire to teach PE."